Update – Las Cruces Boy Remains in Critical Condition after Lightning Strike

The Picacho Middle School eighth-grade football player struck by lightning is still in critical condition. Although 13-year-old Hunter Keffer remains hospitalized, the Las Cruces Sun-News reports he is now breathing on his own and is no longer on life support.

Keffer was one of the five eighth-grade football players and one adult coach injured by a lightning strike during what is being described as a “freakish storm” while leaving the practice field on Tuesday.

The condition of two of Keffer’s teammates and coach who were also hospitalized with less serious injuries is also improving.

According to ABC-7, who spoke to the mothers of Zeke Gama and Demetrius Aguilera, they both still have a headache and remain at El Paso Children's Hospital so doctors can keep a close eye on them, but are doing much better. Coach Arnie Castanada is in stable condition too. He’s still in the hospital for observation purposes as well.